Abstract
A rare case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma originating from the base of the tongue and showing low-grade malignancy is reported.
Malignant salivary gland tumors account for less than 1% of all salivary gland tumors. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma occurring at the base of the tongue originating in a minor salivary gland is especially rare. The present case was a 69-year-old woman who complained of severe dysphagia and dyspnea for a couple of weeks. A large tumor from the base of the tongue occupied her pharyngeal cavity. A histological diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma was made based on three biopsies. The tumor was completely removed via the oral cavity and finally low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma was diagnosed. The patient had no recurrence or metastasis during one year after surgery. We discuss the difficulty of diagnosis from the biopsy specimens, the classification of this tumor, and the surgical approaches to the tumor at the base of the tongue.
